Value management in construction

Successful initiatives
The key to starting a successful VM study
(and a successful project) is to have a clear
understanding of what value means to the
client and to establish the objectives.
For Hextable Dance, this was all-important, as
saving one-fifth of the construction cost within
the constraints of an existing design was likely to
be an unrealistic target. Therefore, it was
advisable to take a step back from the existing
design and to review the client brief, the
required project benefits and important functions
of the new building. With these principles
established and agreed by the client, the project
team could reach a common understanding for
the scheme.
The discussions addressed and clarified many
uncertainties, particularly in relation to client
needs. This led to the identification of important
functions – key value drivers – which ranged
from delivery of the project to functions
required of the completed building, including:
■ keeping within funding requirements
■ optimising the use of space
■ complying with third-party constraints
■ raising the profile of Hextable School
■ delivering functionality to match the school’s
curriculum requirements.
Further discussion and analysis of these value
drivers enabled the project team to fulfil the
clients actual requirements.
Being creative
With a clear understanding of the client’s needs,
the team was able to view the project from
a functional perspective and to identify
opportunities for stretching the constraints of the
existing design. This enabled the team to put
forward innovative design solutions, without
compromising the client’s requirements.
During this stage of the study, all suggestions
were captured without discussion or evaluation.
This stimulated creativity and removed inhibitions.
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